Barnes & Noble launches streaming video service

Barnes & Noble has upped the ante today, announcing the launch of their own video streaming business to compete with Netflix and Amazon.

The service will include content from HBO, Sony Pictures, Disney, Starz, Viacom and Warner Bros. Additionally, the service supports UltraViolet, the cloud library for legal downloads.

It appears the new service was necessary for Barnes & Noble especially given Amazon's new deal with Epix to add thousands of new movies and TV episodes.

The video platform will be available on all Nook devices as well as through TVs and on iOS and Android through the Nook app.

"Our new NOOK Video service will give our customers another way to be entertained with a vast and growing digital video collection, as part of our expansive Nook Store," Barnes & Noble CEO William Lynch added.